MeshCore Open (Free & Open Source)
Overview
MeshCore Open is a free, open-source companion app for MeshCore devices, developed by zjs81 and 19+ community contributors under the MIT license. It is not affiliated with the MeshCore core team but is widely used as a full-featured alternative - particularly for users who need offline maps, advanced CLI access, or multi-platform support without paywalls.
Project Stats
- Source: github.com/zjs81/meshcore-open
- License: MIT
- 334+ GitHub stars - 362 PRs merged - 7 alpha releases since December 2025
Platforms & Installation
| Platform | Availability | Install Method |
|---|---|---|
| Android (API 21+) | Stable | APK from GitHub releases, or Obtainium for auto-updates |
| iOS (12+) | Beta | TestFlight |
| Linux | Stable | Prebuilt binaries on releases page |
| Windows | Build from source | Flutter - source compilation required |
| macOS | Build from source | Flutter - source compilation required |
| Web (Chrome) | Beta | WebSocket bridge required |
Connection Methods
- BLE
- USB
- TCP
Key Features vs. Official App
| Feature | MeshCore Open | Official App |
|---|---|---|
| Repeater / room server CLI access | Full, no paywall | Some features paywalled |
| Offline maps | Yes (tile downloads, deep zoom) | No |
| MGRS coordinates | Yes | No |
| GPX export | Yes | No |
| Line-of-sight analysis | Yes | No |
| Emoji reactions & threaded replies | Yes | No |
| Auto-retry with path clearing | Yes | No |
| TX power / radio settings control | Yes | Yes |
| SNR tracking per contact | Yes | Limited |
| 3-level debug logging | Yes | No |
| Languages | 15 | 1 - 2 |
| Off-Grid Repeat mode | Yes | No |
| Platforms | Android, iOS, Linux, Win, Mac, Web | Android, iOS |
Off-Grid Repeat Mode
Off-Grid Repeat enables your connected companion device to forward mesh packets while your phone is connected - turning a standard companion node into a temporary repeater without reflashing firmware.
How to Enable
- Go to Settings > Node Settings > Radio Settings
- Select an Off-Grid preset: Off-Grid 433 MHz, Off-Grid 869 MHz, or Off-Grid 918 MHz
- Toggle Off-Grid Repeat ON
Limitations
- Only 3 preset frequencies available (433, 869, 918 MHz)
- Phone battery drains faster while active
- Phone must remain awake with the app open
- BLE/USB/TCP connection must stay active throughout
Use Cases
- Emergency response - instant temporary repeater anywhere
- Events - supplement fixed infrastructure
- Bootstrapping a new mesh area
- Temporary coverage extension